Interlocking Modular Footwear System

ABSTRACT

The present invention consist of a securely fitted sock/stocking/bootie permanently attached to an insole and fitted with strategically located “attachment” devices that when engaged with counterparts, located within the footwear, “lock” into place—providing a secure and stable assembly that prevents (and/or controls) the foot from slipping, sliding, rising, rotating or otherwise moving within, and relative too, the footwear. Additional features and “attachment ” devices allow for the incorporation of other components such as orthopedic devices and wraps, protective shields, electronics, reflectors(safety features) and decorative elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will help to prevent and control differential movement of the foot relative to the footwear. The system will feature various “attachment mechanisms” that not only provide greater stability and security of the footwear but also allow for the incorporation of special orthotic devices such as braces and wraps as well as custom components such as protective shielding, reflectors, walkway lighting and electronic sensors.

BACKGROUND

Bearing the weight of the entire body, during periods of physical exertion, the foot is often subjected to incredible stress. In many sports, the foot absorbs tremendous shearing and loading forces, sometimes reaching over 20 times the person's body weight.

Athletes are no strangers to foot injuries. In fact, podiatrists see athletes more often than any other group of people, including older age groups. Repeated side-to-side movements, running and jumping, coupled with high levels of competition, strength and endurance increases the risk of foot injuries for athletes of all sports.

The high stress placed on the feet during athletic participation can cause muscle imbalances, leading to biomechanical dysfunction. Researchers at the University of South Australia's Performance Laboratory studied the movement of the foot inside the shoe. They concluded; when the foot slips inside the shoe it causes an unnatural engagement of the hip flex-ors as they try to compensate. It can also place additional stresses on the knees as well as contribute to development of bunions and related issues.

Friction blisters, the most common foot injury in sport, remain poorly understood and yet the incidence and disability from this seemingly benign injury continues at rates higher than any other condition affecting the human foot. This tearing of skin is due to repeated shear stresses caused by frictional forces applied to the skin. This frictional force develops when the skin of the foot is in contact with an object such as an insole, a shoe or the ground itself. These forces, known as shear forces, cause the skeletal segments of the foot to move out of sync with the overlying soft tissue and the components of the shoe.

Every year, over 400,000 people participate in a marathon distance running event in the United States. It has been estimated that up to 39 percent of marathon runners experience a blister during the race. During military training, friction blisters will affect over 40 percent of soldiers while over 50 percent of active backpackers and hikers will be hampered by this condition. Friction blisters can lead to significant disability from either pain or infection or both.

Therefore, a need exist in the field for a novel apparatus that can prevent the foot from sliding, rising, rotating or moving within the footwear. A further need exist to provide for the integration of other components with the apparatus to protect against foot related injuries and/or to provide support for existing medical conditions. Additionally, a need exist to be able to quickly exchange one sole for another in order to accommodate various surfaces and conditions without affecting any orthotic devices or bracing that may be in place.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In it's most simple form, the Interlocking Modular Footwear System(referred to as The System) combines several products that already commonly exist. The fitted sock(compression), the polymer insole and the outer shoe (with upper and sole). Various methods are applied to mechanically attach and/or lock these components together, so they perform as a single unit.

The foundation of The System is the Interlocking Sock/Insole Appliance.

The Sock/Insole Appliance (referred to as The Insole Appliance) consist of the insole adhered to a sock/stocking/bootie as to form a single component. The insole may be of a form fitted cushioning material or of any material and configuration that will allow for the proper integration of the necessary attachment devices to the sock/stocking/bootie. The “sock” is tightly fitted to the foot, however, additional methods may be employed to create a more secure fit—such as zippers, laces, buckles, hook and loop closures, snaps, magnets and elastic straps.

The Insole Appliance has strategically placed attachment components that mate with components (referred to as the Insert) located within the Outer Shoe (typically consist of sole, mid-sole and upper) to lock firmly in place—preventing differential movement(sliding, slipping, rising or rotating) between the Insole Appliance and the Outer Shoe—allowing both to act together as a single unit.

The Insole Appliance/Outer Shoe may be configured to allow for the attachment of various additional elements, including, but not limited to, orthotic and orthopedic devices, wraps, protective outer shells, reflectors, electronic components and decorative design elements resulting in a truly modular footwear system.

Certain embodiments of the invention feature antipronation/supination “lugs” that further resist rotation of the foot and provide additional security. The lugs (attached to the Insole Appliance) will protrude through the wall of the Outer Shoe through “snuggly” fitted openings. Optionally, the lugs may be mechanically connected to the Outer Shoe by turning, sliding, snapping, hook and loop, friction pads or other mechanical means to provide a more secure and stable assembly as well as adjust-ability.

Various attachment mechanisms (“latch and strike” devices, magnetic catch, hook and loop, cam actuated, snaps, twist and turn, buckles, laces, elastic straps, etc.) may be used to attach these modular components as well as further secure the Insole Appliance to the Outer Shoe.

The specific location, configuration, and operation of all attachment and locking mechanisms may vary substantially depending on type of footwear, desired performance characteristics, design considerations and individual fit.

The System can be fitted and applied to a standard shoe or boot of almost any type and/or the concept of the shoe can be totally re-imagined and redesigned to embody the unique opportunities presented by The System.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—FIG. 1 depicts an Insole Appliance configuration that features a “Lug Locking” embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2—FIG. 2 shows the “Lug Locking” embodiment of the Insole Appliance from the rear with a view of the sole with protrusions that prevent sliding and help keep the heel latch engaged with the lock strike.

FIG. 3—FIG. 3 depicts the “Lug Locking” embodiment of the Insole Appliance with the optional integrated ankle support wrap.

FIG. 4—FIG. 4 shows the side view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5—FIG. 5 illustrates the Outer Shoe Insert that receives the “Lug Locking” Insole Appliance and provides the tight locking action of The System.

FIG. 6—FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the Outer Shoe with the interlocking insert built into the lining of the shoe.

FIG. 7—FIG. 7 illustrates the “Lug Locking” Insole Appliance engaged within the Outer Shoe (fitted with the interlocking insert).

FIG. 8—FIG. 8 illustrates a version of the latch component of the heel locking mechanism.

FIG. 9—FIG. 9 depicts the side view of the Insole Appliance configuration that features the “Blade Locking” embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10—FIG. 10 shows the “Blade Locking” embodiment of the Insole Appliance from the front view.

FIG. 11—FIG. 11 depicts the “Reverse Blade Locking” embodiment (note the slotted insole to receive blades) of the Insole Appliance with the keeper strap for optional integrated orthotic device.

FIG. 12—FIG. 12 shows the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance with a version of the optional integrated orthotic ankle support wrap.

FIG. 13—FIG. 13 illustrates the side view of the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance with antipronation/supination locking devices and the side component locking system.

FIG. 14—FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of the “Blade Locking” interlocking insert.

FIG. 15—FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the Out-Sole with heel locking mechanism.

FIG. 16—FIG. 16 illustrates the Out-Sole with integral “Blade Locking” insert in place.

FIG. 17—FIG. 17 depicts the side view of the Insole Appliance configuration that features the “Sole Locking” embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18—FIG. 18 depicts the “Sole Locking” embodiment of the Insole Appliance with the optional integrated orthotic wrap device.

FIG. 19—FIG. 19 shows the “Sole Locking” embodiment of the Insole Appliance from the rear view with underside indicated.

FIG. 20—FIG. 20 depicts the Out-Sole with “Sole Locking” insert and heel locking mechanism.

FIG. 21—FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the outer shoe with the integral “Sole Locking insert.

FIG. 22—FIG. 22 shows “Sole Locking” Insole Appliance engaged in the Outer Shoe fitted with the “Sole Locking” insert.

FIG. 23—FIG. 23 indicates an embodiment of the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance with antipronation and antisupination lugs fitted with the side locking mechanism for modular components.

FIG. 24—FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a specialized orthotic with interchangeable ankle support “stiffener” blades that provides adjustable levels of support.

FIG. 25—FIG. 25 illustrates the attachment of the Orthotic Device to the Insole Appliance.

FIG. 26—FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of the Out-Sole fitted with the “Blade Locking” insert.

FIG. 27—FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of the assembly of the Insole Appliance, Orthotic Device and the Out-Sole.

FIG. 28—FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of the modular protective shields.

FIG. 29—FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of the fully assembled Insole Appliance, Orthotic Device, Out-Sole and Protective Shields.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “has” and/or “may have,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the description of this invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and embodiments are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual techniques in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and claims.

The present disclosure will be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

While preferred materials have been described, the device is not limited by these materials. Wood, plastics, rubber, foam, metal alloys, aluminum, fabrics, leather, hook and loop and other materials may comprise some or all of the elements of The System in various embodiments of the invention.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 depicts a tightly fitted sock/stocking 1 adhered to a polymer insole 2. The insole is fitted with antipronation/supination lugs (projections) 3 on the sides (at mid-foot) that, when engaged, will resist rotation of the foot within the footwear. A mid-foot strap 4 will help to firmly position and prevent movement of the side lugs 3. Lugs are also located along the bottom of the insole that, when engaged within the footwear, will prevent the heel 8 and the forefoot 9 from sliding front to back as well as side to side. These lugs help prevent the heel latch mechanism from disengaging. A toe lug 5 will firmly position the toe within the footwear and resist rotation. A modification to the insole (recessed area in this embodiment) 10 will allow the positioning of orthotic devices, ankle wraps, orthopedics etc. without effecting the “fit” of the Outer Shoe and creating a more secure connection to the Insole Appliance. In this version of the heel locking mechanism the “strike” (receiver device) 7 will receive the latch 13—preventing the heel from rising upward when engaged. The shape of the latch/strike will also prevent the rotation of the heel relative to the outer shoe. In this embodiment, a hook and loop connector 6 may be applied to the Sock Insole Appliance to allow the Othotic Device (ankle wraps, special orthopedic devices) to be firmly connected and to form a more integral connection with the total System.

FIG. 3 & FIG. 4 depicts the Insole Appliance from FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 with an embodiment of an optional Orthotic Device (ankle wrap) 12 in place and secure to the hook and loop connector 6. The keeper strap 11 provides additional security for the attachment of orthotic devices as well as certain other modular components that may be integrated with total system.

FIG. 3 & FIG. 4 depicts the Insole Appliance from FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 with an embodiment of an optional Orthotic Device (ankle wrap) 12 in place and secure to the hook and loop connector 6. The keeper strap 11 provides additional security for the attachment of orthotic devices as well as certain other modular components that may be integrated with total system.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the “Lug Locking” Insert that receives the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 and firmly locks the Appliance in place within the Outer Shoe FIG. 6. The sole plate 14 of the Insert has lug wells (recessed area or cutouts) 16 &17 located to receive the lugs 8 & 9 located on the bottom of the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & FIG. 2. A cut-out 15 in the heel counter will allow the heel latch 13 to engage in the heel strike 7. The cut-out 18 in the toe will accept the toe lug 5. Lug wells 20 are positioned on the mid-foot reinforcing straps 19. The reinforcing straps 19 provide greater resistance to movement of the antipronation/supination lugs 4 and, in this embodiment, allow for adjust ability and “tightening”.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the Outer Shoe. This embodiment is fitted with the Insert FIG. 5 so that the Insert forms the liner of the Outer Shoe FIG. 6. The heel latch 13 is connected to the Outer Shoe FIG. 6 wall (at the heel counter) and, when closed (in the latched position), engages in the heel strike 7 located at the heel of the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 positioned within the Outer Shoe FIG. 6. The forefoot lugs 9 and the heel lugs 8 are engaged in the corresponding lug wells 17 & 16 as is the toe lug 5. The antipronation/supination lugs 4 are engaged in the corresponding lug wells 20 to resist side to side rotation. The heel latch 13 is engaged in the heel strike 7 located on the Insole Appliance. As assembled, in this embodiment, the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & FIG. 2 is firmly secured within the Outer Shoe FIG. 6 so as to restrain and reduce differential movement of such.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the latch component 13—a part of the heel locking mechanism. The latch component 13 will attach to the Outer Shoe FIG. 6 and protrude through the heel counter in order to engage the heel strike 7 and prohibit the rising or rotation of the Insole Appliance FIG. 1 & 2 relative to the Outer Shoe FIG. 6. The heel latch may be a mechanical device, magnetic, clasp, snaps, hook and loop, friction or any method that prevents the heel from rising and/or moving and rotating within and relative too the shoe.

FIG. 9 & FIG. 10 depict a “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment consist of the tightly fitted sock/stocking/bootie 1 with the fitted insole 2 permanently adhered. This “insole” may be a true fitted element or a simple pad extending to all or part of the foot. Blade elements 22 located at the forefoot will slide into rails 28, located within the Outer Shoe FIG. 14 & FIG. 16. The heel lock “strike” 7 is positioned to receive the heel latch 13. A toe lug is positioned to engage the Outer Shoe FIG. 16. A modification of the sole 10 allows for the secure connection of an orthotic or orthopedic device 12 (example) without compromising the fit of the Outer Shoe FIG. 16.

FIG. 11 illustrates an optional version of the Blade Locking Insole Appliance that incorporates slotted channels 23, located at the forefoot and toe area, that receive blade elements located within the Outer Shoe and proving the secure locking action required to restrain movement. The mid-foot reinforcing component 4 features an affixed strap 24 that will secure the Insole Appliance FIG. 11 to the Outer Shoe and fasten to the strap buckle 25. The keeper strap 11 provides additional security for the attachment of orthotic devices as well as certain other modular components that be integrated with total system.

FIG. 12 shows the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance FIG. 9 & FIG. 10 with the orthotic device (ankle wrap) 12 in place and further secured by the keeper strap 11.

FIG. 13 depicts a variation of the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance that features sliding-and-locking antipronation/supination devices 26 and a side locking mechanism 27 that can better secure the Insole Appliance to the Outer Shoe FIG. 26 and provide for the attachment of certain modular components.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of the “Blade Locking” Insert that receives the Insole Appliance FIG. 9, FIG. 10 & FIG. 13 and firmly locks the Appliance in place within the Outer Shoe FIG. 16. The sole plate 14 is the base of the Insert. A cut-out 15 in the heel counter will allow the heel latch 13 to engage in the heel strike 7. The cut-out 18 in the toe will accept the toe lug 5. Blade “Rails” 28 accept the Blade elements 22 and provide a secure and connection with the Insole Appliance FIG. 9, FIG. 10 & FIG. 13. The Inserts can also be “fitted” inside any type of shoe or boot.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of the Outsole configuration 29 that can accept various Inserts FIG. 5 & FIG. 14. This configuration provides the heel latching mechanism 13 and the toe well 18.

FIG. 16 illustrates the combination of the Blade Locking Insert FIG. 14 and the Outsole FIG. 15. For illustration purposes only the Out-Sole component is shown. Many variations and design configurations are possible including with uppers and other special modular components.

FIG. 17 & FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of the “Sole Locking” Insole Appliance with tightly fitted sock/stocking 1 adhered to a polymer insole 2. A “male” locking device 31A is located on the bottom of the sole at the forefoot area and will engage the “female” counterpart 31B located within the Outsole Component FIG. 20—restricting differential movement. The insole is fitted with antipronation/supination resistance pads 30 (contacts with a high coefficient of friction, hook and loop or mechanical) on the sides (at mid-foot) that, when in contact with their counterparts 34, will resist rotation of the foot within the footwear. A mid-foot strap 4 will help to firmly position and prevent movement of the resistance pads 30. A toe lug 5 will firmly position the toe within the footwear and resist rotation. A modification to the insole (recessed area in this embodiment) 10 will allow the positioning of orthotic devices, ankle wraps, orthopedics etc. without effecting the “fit” of the outer shoe and creating a more secure connection to the Insole Appliance. The “strike” (receiver device) 7 for the heel locking mechanism will receive the latch—preventing the heel from rising upward when engaged. The shape of the latch/strike 13/7 will also prevent (or control) the rotation of the heel relative to the outer shoe. In this embodiment, a hook and loop connector 6 is applied to the Sock Insole Appliance to allow the othotic device (ankle wrap, special orthopedic devices, etc) to be firmly connected and to form a more integral connection with the total System.

FIG. 18 shows the “Sole Locking” Insole Appliance from FIG. 17 & FIG. 19 with an embodiment of an optional orthotic device (ankle wrap) 12 in place and secured to the hook and loop connector 6. The keeper strap 11 provides additional security for the attachment of orthotic devices as well as certain other modular components that be integrated with total system.

FIG. 20 illustrates the Outsole Component 29 with the “female” connector 31B located at the forefoot where it will accept the “male connector 31A located on the sole of the Insole Appliance 17. The heel latch mechanism 13 is located at the heel counter and will engage with the heel strike 7 located on the Insole Appliance FIG. 17. An optional raised “step” 32 may engage the recessed area 10 on the Insole Appliance to prevent its movement forward or backward.

FIG. 21 depicts an embodiment of the Outer Shoe with the “Sole Locking System. This embodiment is fitted with the Outsole Component FIG. 20 so that the Outsole with attached upper forms the Outer Shoe. The heel latch 13 is connected to the Outer Shoe FIG. 21 wall (at the heel counter) and, when closed (in the latched position), engages in the heel strike 7 located at the heel of the Sole Component FIG. 20. Antipronation/supination resistance pads 34 or mounted on the reinforcing strap 4 and when mated with their counterparts 30 prevent movenet and rotation within the shoe.

FIG. 22 illustrates the “Sole Locking” Insole Appliance FIG. 17 positioned within the Outer Shoe FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 depicts a variation of the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance FIG. 13 with the optional keeper strap 11 for securing modular components.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of the special Orthotic Device modular component. In this embodiment, a stiff outer shell 35 provides initial bracing for the ankle. Adjustable straps 36 secure the orthotic to the ankle. Additionally, interchangeable stiffener bars 37 (providing varying levels of flexibility) can be inserted into the orthotic device depending on required overall support. The Orthotic Device can be specifically designed to integrate with the System via specific modifications or it can be so designed as to act alone in conjunction with any footwear.

FIG. 25 depicts the Orthotic Device FIG. 24 as attaches to the Insole Appliance FIG. 23 with the side locking “twist and lock” cam mechanism 27 & 38. This mechanism may have many embodiments, the purpose of which is the securely attach various modular components to the Insole Appliance as well as to the Outer Shoe.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the Outsole Component 39 fitted with the “Blade Locking” Insert FIG. 14. The Outsole features the heel latch mechanism 13 and the toe well 18. Mid-foot keeper straps 41 secure the foot at the mid section and feature cut-outs that accept the antipronation/supination locking devices 26 and allow for adjustment and tightening of such in order to more firmly secure the Insole Appliance FIG. 23 & FIG. 25. The keeper straps 41 also partially affix the protective shield elements 43 & 44 as do the toe cap slots 40.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that integrates the Orthotic Device FIG. 24, the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance FIG. 23 and the Outsole Component FIG. 26. This embodiment will allow for the attachment of modular protective shield components FIG. 28.

FIG. 28 depicts protective shields components that attach to the System (as configured in FIG. 26) and consist of the achilles shield 39, the shin shield 42, the main shield 43 and the toe cap shield 44. In this embodiment the shields are vented to allow air circulation. The shields are attached at the ankle with the side locking cam mechanism 38. The mechanism allows the shield components to hinge at the ankle. The shield elements may be made of metal, plastics, ballistic carbon fiber, etc.

FIG. 29 illustrates a fully assembled embodiment of the Interlocking Modular Footwear System composed of the “Blade Locking” Insole Appliance FIG. 24 with Orthotic Device FIG. 23, Protective Shields FIG. 28 and the Outsole Component FIG. 26. This “boot' version of the System may have applications in certain work environments as well as military service. 

What is claimed:
 1. An Interlocking Modular Footwear System (can be applied to most types of footwear or comprise the basis for the development of completely new embodiments) will restrain the differential movements of the foot within (and relative too) the footwear, such as, sliding, rising and rotating that cause blistering and other medical complications and conditions related to these movements and the position and the fit of the foot relative to the footwear.
 2. The System will promote a more secure and stable fit with greater feedback and a sense of the shoe being an “extension of the body” with an enhanced feeling that the shoe is a “part of the foot.”
 3. The System will incorporate “attachment devices” and certain special modifications allowing for the attachment and incorporation of various modular components including, but not limited too, orthotic and orthopedic devices, wraps and braces, protective covers or shields, reflectors, and electronic elements such as lighting , fans, GPS, monitoring devices, etc. 